Chau Son Monastery - European Beauty in the Heart of Ninh Binh

Chau Son Monastery in Ninh Binh, with its Gothic-style architecture and tranquil surroundings, epitomizes a blend of European charm and spiritual serenity in Vietnam. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

In addition to famous sites like Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Tam Coc, Ninh Binh also attracts visitors to the stunning Chau Son Monastery. This place is likened to a Western cathedral in Vietnam with its ancient, noble beauty and solemn atmosphere, drawing many tourists for a visit.

Image source: Collected

Chau Son Monastery belongs to the Cistercian order and is located in Phu Son commune, Nho Quan district, Ninh Binh province. The monastery is 65 km from Phat Diem Cathedral, 35 km from Ninh Binh city, and 97 km from Hanoi.

Chau Son Monastery in Ninh Binh is a Cistercian monastery where monks retreat for peace and contemplation. It is also known by other names such as Chau Son Monastery, Chau Son Church, or Brick Church.

Brother Thuy, the manager of the Fatima Prayer Garden at Chau Son Monastery, shared that the church was built from around 1939 to 1945, featuring French Gothic architecture. The church's roof was not built with reinforced concrete but was made using a combination of molasses, sugarcane bagasse, and bamboo.

Image source: Collected

Even after more than 77 years, the church's characteristics and details have been almost perfectly preserved, except for the red tile roof, which was repaired in 2014. The Holy Mother Chau Son Monastery Church is one of the four churches consecrated in Vietnam in 1945, along with Notre Dame Cathedral, St. Joseph's Cathedral in Hanoi, and Phu Nhai Church.

Chau Son Monastery is nearly a hundred years old and is likened to a flower amidst the forests of Nho Quan, Ninh Binh. One of the main attractions for visitors is its classic, European-style architecture. Let's explore this further!

Architecture of the Main Building

Father Placido Truong Minh Trach, a young monk with no formal architectural training, built the monastery with his disciples, focusing on contemplation. The architecture resembles an ancient castle hidden in the green forest, adding to its mysterious allure.

Image source: Collected

The sanctuary is designed in the Gothic style, with a length of 64 meters, a width of 20 meters, and a height of 21 meters. It is oriented from east to west, with the front facing east as a symbol of turning towards Christ.

The Enchanting Beauty Inside the Sanctuary

The walls of the sanctuary are harmoniously decorated with windows divided into two levels: upper and lower. The inner windows are made from luxurious wooden glass, while the outer windows are adorned with "pierced carvings" depicting images of Saints and representations of Jesus Christ.

Inside the sanctuary, natural light streams in through large windows, illuminating the wide corridors. This light highlights the rows of meticulously designed columns. Additionally, the white dome becomes the architectural pinnacle inside, enhancing the unique reliefs that symbolize the Holy Trinity, the Virgin Mary, and the Saints.

The Tranquil Green Grounds of Chau Son Monastery

The grounds of Chau Son Monastery feature hundreds of varieties of beautifully vibrant flowers and trees, meticulously cared for and artistically trimmed. During a visit, guests encounter exquisite designs including lush gardens, vibrant greenery, intricate sculptures, and statues of Saints...

Surrounding the sanctuary is a spacious area with the Fatima Garden—a lush corner with smooth lawns and a crystal-clear pond. The garden is adorned with stones from the Southern region and an artificial stone egg beach.

Image source: Collected

Additionally, the grounds include a stone well named Jacob's Well deep underground and a cave known as Skull Mountain behind Chau Son Monastery. All of these elements contribute to a serene and solemn space at the monastery, akin to a sacred place ideal for contemplation.

Chau Son Monastery in Ninh Binh, with its Gothic-style architecture and tranquil surroundings, epitomizes a blend of European charm and spiritual serenity in Vietnam. Its century-old structure and meticulously maintained grounds invite visitors to explore its historical and cultural significance, offering a peaceful retreat amidst lush greenery and intricate religious art.

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)